Couch Maintenance

Couchella Vibes: Keeping Your New Sofa's Fabric Fabulous

The experts at Couch.com show how to transform scratchy couch fabric into a plush paradise and keep it fresh as a daisy.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Hippies on a pink furry couch at coachella

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    How do you soften scratchy couch fabric?

    Scratchy couch fabric can be a real mood-killer, but no worries, because your cozy haven is just a few tricks away. So, here's how to turn that sandpaper sensation into a silky delight:

    • Fabric softener magic: Mix a teaspoon of fabric softener with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the scratchy areas and then rub gently with a soft cloth. Voila! Your couch cushion cover will be as smooth as a jazz sax solo.
    • Steam it up: A handheld garment steamer can be your fabric's best friend. Give your couch a good steaming session, focusing on the scratchy spots. The heat and moisture will relax the fibers, making them oh-so-soft.
    • Toss in some throws: Cover the scratchy bits with soft, cozy throws or blankets. Not only does this add a touch of style, but it also provides instant comfort while you work on softening the fabric of that pull out sectional couch.

    How do you care and maintain upholstery fabric? 

    Upholstery fabric needs a little TLC to stay fabulous over time. Here's your game plan for keeping it in tip-top shape:

    • Regular vacuuming: Dust and crumbs are sneaky villains. Use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove debris from your upholstery. A clean sleeper sofa with chaise is a happy piece!
    • Spot cleaning: Accidents happen, so be prepared. Blot, don't rub, spills with a clean cloth. Also, use a mild detergent mixed with water for stubborn stains. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
    • Rotate and fluff: To ensure even wear, rotate and fluff your cushions regularly. This prevents one side from getting all the action while the other feels neglected. Additionally, these efforts will maintain couch cushion support.

    How do you keep a fabric couch fresh?

    Your fabric couch deserves to feel and smell fresh as a daisy. Let's keep it that way with these freshness hacks:

    • Baking soda blitz: Sprinkle a little baking soda on your couch, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This will absorb odors and leave your couch smelling as fresh as a newly picked bouquet. And, this is especially effective on foam for couch cushions!
    • Fabric fresheners: Consider fabric fresheners designed for upholstery. They come in delightful scents and can be spritzed lightly to give your couch an instant refresh.
    • No eating zone: Encourage a no-eating rule on the couch. Food stains and crumbs can quickly turn freshness into funkiness.
    • Tricky fabrics: When working with sensitive fabrics for example a leather reclining loveseat, make sure to use gentler solutions.

    So, there you have it, your guide to sofa fabric salvation. Soften, care, and keep it fresh, and your couch will reward you with endless comfort and style.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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